File photo taken on Nov. 16, 2010 shows the fishery patrol ship Yuzheng-310. The Yuzheng-310, China's most advanced fishery patrol ship, on April 20, 2012 arrived in waters off the coast of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea. Its mission is to protect China's territorial waters and ensure the safety of Chinese fishermen. (Xinhua/Liang Ganghua)

GUANGZHOU, April 20 (Xinhua) -- The Yuzheng-310, China's most advanced fishery patrol ship, arrived in waters off the coast of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea at Friday noon, starting its mission to protect the country's interests in territorial waters, fishery authorities said.

The 2,580-tonne ship set sail from the southern port city of Guangzhou on Wednesday.

China has beefed up patrols in the South China Sea to protect the country's maritime rights and interests as Chinese fishing boats have been frequently harassed or seized by armed ships of neighboring countries. Twelve Chinese fishing boats were harassed last week by a Philippine Navy gunboat while taking refuge from harsh weather in a lagoon near China's Huangyan Island.

The Yuzheng-310 will conduct routine patrols in waters off the coast of Huangyan Island, so as to protect China's sea rights and ensure the safety of Chinese fishermen, said a statement released Friday by the South China Sea Fishery Bureau under the Ministry of Agriculture.

BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday urged a Philippine archaeological ship to immediately leave the waters of Huangyan Island in the South China Sea, which China claims to be an integral part of its territory.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on a new maritime incident between China and the Philippines. Full story

MANILA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy to the Philippines lodged a representation to the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department on the harassment of Chinese fishermen by Philippine Navy in a lagoon in China's Huangyan Island of South China Sea, the embassy said in a statement issued on Wednesday. Full tory

BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman here on Tuesday expressed hope that companies from countries outside the South China Sea region could avoid getting involved in disputes over the sea. Full story